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Abstract
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Are the Emperor's Clothes Really New? A Behavioral Scientist's View of Complexity Theory
While reading a pre-publication draft of the article “Complexity and Safety” (doi: 10.1016/j.jsr.2011.06.003), I immediately reflected upon a Hans Christian Anderson fable my mother read to me more than 60 years ago, entitled “The Emperor's New Clothes.” In this short story, an Emperor concerned with looking good in public hires two tailors who promise him the finest suit of clothes from a special unique fabric invisible to those unintelligent, incompetent, or unfit for their position. The tailors do not produce a new garment but mime dressing The Emperor, and then The Emperor marches in procession before his followers who play along with the pretense. No one in the crowd admits s/he is not smart enough to see The Emperor's new clothes.
Suddenly a child, too young to understand the reasoning behind the crowd's selective perception, blurts out, “But he isn't wearing anything at all!” The Emperor cringes, suspecting the assertion is true, but he holds himself up proudly and continues the procession.
My mother used this story to teach me the value of both humility and courage. Recognize the need for continuous learning, and do your homework before claiming your idea is unique. And, if your learning can enlighten or benefit others, have the courage to speak up.
Article Outline
1. What a Behavioral Scientist Sees
1.1. The Inclusion Vision is Not New
1.2. Some Clothes Do Not Fit
1.3. In Conclusion
Language: en |